Tom Patri: Gratifying when students do well; congrats to Rose, Lexi Thompson

NAPLES - Well, every once in a great while, a coach has one of those stretches where you get the stars aligned and things seem to just fall into place.

As I have stated before, although I have had the privilege to work with some of those men and women you watch on your idiot tube on Sundays, I still contend that the rank beginner is my favorite lesson.

I guess what it comes down to is as a teacher/coach in this game is every skill level presents a variety of different challenges, each unique to the individual. As the swing doctor, it's your job to solve problems. Once you put your finger in the dam then it's your job to build a better dam, a stronger dam, a more efficient dam. In fact, that's the fun part of what I do -- Problem Solving 101 through 401.

Last week, one of my female students Cindy Wickham, who came to me two seasons ago as a 32 handicap, not only has reduced it to 17, but also won her first club championship. She is a true testament to sound fundamentals and that hard work does pay off.

Next, one of my college players, Anthony Dilisio, who is a sophomore at NCAA Division III powerhouse Skidmore, led his team to victory in a 25-team field. He also captured his first individual crown, firing rounds of 72-70/142 -- two under par in chilly windy conditions in the Northeast. Well done, Anthony; his grandfather, Vin, lives in Naples.

Then came news of David Peoples, who plays on the Champions Tour, and really needs a few strong finishes to finish in the top 30 on the money list. That's correct -- on the Champions Tour, you need to finish top 30 to retain your playing privileges if you're not lifetime exempt via your regular tour career. Anyway, at this past event in Korea, he had his first top-10 finish -- a tie for sixth -- since the event this past winter in Naples.

A couple of weeks ago, we got together for a session when the Champions Tour was in New York at Westchester Country Club, my old stomping grounds. He showed improved form that week, then played even a bit better the following week in Seattle. This week in Korea was a big help, but with only three events left before the Charles Schwab Cup, David is certainly playing beat the clock. Let's keep our fingers crossed for him.

One more really neat event for me. After over a year's worth of work, I launched a new website (www.tompatri.com) but even better, within the site is an online video lesson academy. Check it out, the technology is not only very powerful and easy to use but really fun. It allows you to have your swing tweaked literally from anywhere on the planet.

There are so many ways you can work on your game with a quality coach. The point is that you should be. Get a coach, develop a sound plan, and stick to it.

Yes, the FedEx Cup event this week in Chicago was a great win for Justin Rose. It was very cool for me that the week before he spent a day at Friar's Head, where I teach this time of year. I got to watch him hit some balls. What a tremendous talent and a nice young man.

However, the story of the week has to be Alexis Thompson winning on the LPGA Tour at 16 -- youngest ever. Finally, maybe a young, cute American star is born. I really hope so. This lady has great length and composure, but also tremendous talent. It seems like her game is really solid all around. Cheer her on. Go get'em girl.

Tom Patri gives lessons at the Quarry on Immokalee Road, but is at Friar's Head in New York from May-December. Patri is a Golf Magazine Top 100 Teacher. Visit Patri's website at www.tompatri.com or email him at tpatri@mindspring.com.